I adore red zinnias. ‘Benary’s Deep Red’ has almost black undertones to that rich, red color. And I’m not the only one attracted to the gorgeous flowers. Hummingbirds love them too.
‘Benary’s Deep Red’ zinnias grow 40 to 50 inches tall. I start my plants indoors 4 weeks before our frost date, but you can sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed in late spring. I’ve done both and the direct-sown plants always quickly catch up to the plants I start indoors.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to the flowers, and if you keep the plants deadheaded, they’ll bloom all summer long. These zinnias also make great cutting flowers for arrangements.
The bold, red flowers look especially lovely planted next to golds or purples, and the plants will thrive in full sun to part-sun.